Annex VII: Country Status Reports
Cameroon
Cameroon
Introduction
i. The concept of Sustainable Development Networking (SDN) was introduced in 1989 and upheld during the United Nations Conference on Environment (UNCED), held in Rio in June 1992 and thus adopted as a comprehensive plan known as "Agenda 21" to support developing countries' efforts towards implementing the recommendations of the said conference.ii. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has been given the mandate to implement the concept of SDN through its ``Capacity 21'' programme. Therefore, the UNDP mission in Camoroon has decided to facilitate the creation of Camoroon's SDNP, whose major goal involves information exchange between different socio-economic stakeholders both public and private geared towards the strengthening of their capacities and utilisation of natural resources as to serve present and future generations.
Brief Overview of Cameroonian Situation
i. To most people Cameroon is referred to as Africa in Miniature due to its great geographical, climatic, ethnic and cultural diversity, full of natural resources (tropical forests, mineral resources, fisheries, fertile agricultural land and some favourable climate).ii. The country spans from the atlantic coastal plain through the dense equatorial forest and highland savana to the northern sudano-sahehan region.
iii. About 60% of the Cameroonian population is rural while about 75% of the population is agricultural. While Cameroon's agricultural growth is 2% per annum, its population growth is 3% with some regions having a high population density as high as 100 inhabitants per square Km.
iv. Demographic explosion, environmental resource base depletion and degradation, coupled with the worsening economic crisis, call for the sustainable use of these resources to guarantee a better life for this and future generations.
v. Prefeasibility studies by a Cameroonian local Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Countryside Foundation for Sustainable Development (CFSD) and an UNDP consultant, conducted respectively in August 1993 and February 1994, confirm the fact that the creation of a Sustainable Networking Programme (SDNP) in Cameroon is highly commendable in view of the above arguments.
vi. The results of the above two studies (see print 7) together with Cameroon Government's determination for a development policy shift towards the promotion of sustainable development as manifested in the formulation of a National Environment Management Plan (NEMP) and the SDNP convinced the Cameroon mission of the UNDP to support the creation of Cameroon's SDNP.
vii. The initial phase of this endeavour is the creation of an ad hoc steering committee for Cameroon SDNP under UNDP Cameroon office support. The committee recently called for tenders of consultants to undertake the study on the creation of the Cameroon SDNP (Cameroon official daily, Cameroon Tribune, Vol:5712, page 2, 1994).
viii. The terms of reference of the study are:
i. analysis of strategies and policies adopted by Cameroon in response to the concerns stated in UNCED's Agenda 21 regulatory measures; institutional reforms; national priorities and mode expected of SDNP;
Among the expected outputs shall be a draft work programme for the first two years of Cameroon SDNP.
ii. analysis of potential actions;
iii. information needs and resources;
iv. existing networks; and
v. state of Computer mediated communications.
ix. The establishment and function of the Cameroon SDNP is a question of primary concern after the results of the feasibility studies shall have been made public.
Expectations from the third UNDP/IDRC Workshop
There is no cook-book recipe for the successful establishment and operation of a Country SDNP due to obvious country particularities. However, certain basic questions need answers, and we from Cameroon will like to learn and share experiences of other countries on what makes an SDNP Work. In particular:
(a) how is self financing and initial financing obtained.
(b) what type of starter kit is needed and at what level of development;
(c) what are the likely problems encountered and strategies needed to solve them;
(d) what is the function and life of the steering committee; and
(e) donor financing during the first five years of the SDNP towards information accessing, processing and dissemination and exchange amongst stakeholders.
Chad
Almost two years ago Chad was at the pilot stage of the SDNP project. The SDNP was then installed in the Environment Ministry and a Coordinator was chosen.After a year of its operation, an evaluation mission came to the conclusion that it would not be able to reach its objectives, and therefore gave some suggestions in order to ``reenergise'' the SDNP and to give a new impetus to the SDNP.
To achieve this some decisions had to be taken, the most important one being to relocate the SDNP in another structure and give it a new Coordinator.
On the basis of the suggestions made by the evaluation mission, the Chadian Government and the UNDP acknowledged that the SDNP had failed in its objectives and a decision was taken to transfer the node to the Centre National d'Appni de Recherche. The Director of the Centre was nominated as the new Coordinator for the SDNP.
The Chadian Government has now made available to the SDNP all the necessary infrastructure (documentation centre, conference room, support staff of the centre).
So Chad is now ready for a new start. The Government intends to proceed slowly but surely. One should take the necessary time to train the staff and reinstall the hardware.
The Chad/SDNP was waiting for the Bombay meeting to set up its Steering Committee and has benefited from a discussion of this and other issues at this Bombay Workshop.
Colombia
Background
In April 1993 the United Nations Development Programme invited representatives of governmental and nongovernmental organizations, universities, and the private sector to a meeting to create two committees to start the activities of Sustainable Development Networking in Colombia. These were called the Organizational Committee and the Technical Committee.The Organizational Committee comprised of:
* UNDP
The technical committee comprised of 3 delegates: one from a university, the other from the telecommunication company and the third from a NGO.
* Inderena (a governmental environmental organization which has now been replaced by the new Ministry of Environment).
* The National Department of Planning
* Ecofondo (environmental organization)
* Universities representative
* Colciencias (a governmental organization which supports and carries out scientific research)
* Non governmental organizations' representatives
The meeting addressed itself to the need of creating the SDN in Colombia, due to the lack of access information on environmental and developmental issues as also due to the need for exchanging this information, not only within Colombia, but also with other countries.
The Organizational Committee expressed the need to identify:
* Information needs
To identify these items it was proposed to make a questionnaire to be answered by the organizations interested in the SDNP. After this stage, it was proposed to hire a short term consultant to visit the users of the network to check their technical level in the management of the network; information offers; network usage; needs; etc.
* Level of knowledge of the users in information systems and networks
* Communication processes to feed the network
* Issues to be discussed
To start this initiative the participation of all organizations involved in a conference was proposed, using the local electronic mail network of NGO's called Colnodo (APC member), as a pilot experiment. The questionnaire proposed by the Organizational Committee was posted to the SD conference, but it had no reaction from the users of Colnodo. It is important to point out that only the following organizations were connected to the network at that time (listing just organizations involved in the SDN).
* UNDP
For this pilot experiment, it was decided to use the electronic mail system for NGO's, Colnodo, since it was the only electronic mail system with international connectivity (via an uucp link) at that moment (April 93), with the possibility of accepting new users. The other electronic mail network with international connectivity at that moment was Bitnet, operated by a local university, but without possibilities of accepting new users.
* The National Department of Planning
* National Industrial Association
* Representative of NGOs
The weak points of this experiment were:
* Lack of training to the users in the use of elec- tronic/mail/conference systems and, in some cases, complete lack of knowledge about electronic mail networks.
* Lack of information about sustainable development and en- vironmental issues at that moment in the electronic mail network.
* No funding for the pilot experiment
* Lack of understanding of the concept of SD
Present Status
In September 1994, the UNDP once again took the initiative to create the SDNP for Colombia. On this opportunity the UNDP presented a concrete proposal for a feasibility study for the implementation of the SDNP in Colombia and with possibilities of financial assistance for this purpose.The Organizational Committee met to revise the terms of reference of the study and decided to publish an invitation in the local newspapers to select a consultant who would carry out the feasibility study. The terms of reference of the study mainly include:
* Evaluation of the demand and needs of information about sustainable development
The Organizational Committee proposed that the SDNP should be managed by a corporation involving all the groups of participant organizations in the network; that it is important to establish the legal structure of the corporation and its relation with the information system proposed by the new Ministry of Environment.
* Evaluation of the institutional and political aspects of the network
* Evaluation of the actual technical capacities of the users
* Exploration of the internal (local) financial support after the 2-3 years of UNDP support
* Determine the coverage of the network
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is in the early stages of the development of a SDNP with the feasibility study just being finished in October. However, there are several on-going Sustainable Development (SD) initiatives with implications for a SDNP that should be considered in the development of such a program. These comments center around those initiatives.
Government initiative
A new democratic government was inaugurated on May 8, 1994. The first act of this new Administration, on May 9, 1994, was the creation of a Forum in which President Figures indicated the willingness and commitment of the new government to run in Costa Rica a pilot project for attaining SD.This commitment with SD is embodied in the development strategy outlined early in June and the National Development Plan (NDP) just completed by the Ministry of Planning. In those documents it is stressed that in order to be sustainable, development must be socially, environmentally, economically, politically and culturally sustainable. In order to accomplish SD goals, the government has been divided in five areas related to those discussions SD mentioned. In each area there is a council, with participation of different ministers. The objective of these councils is to coordinate policies. The Sustainable Development Council (SDC) deals mostly with environmental issues, and also has the mission of permeating the concept of SD into the public sector. In order to accomplish this, the SDC is coordinating a program intended to promote the implementation of Agenda 21. This program has two components. The first, financed by an IDF grant from World Bank is the elaboration of a National Environmental Action Plan. The second, financed by Capacity 21, is the design and implementation of eight strategic programs. One of those programs is a National System of Economic Social and Environmental Information (SINIESA).
Annual Sustainable Human Development Profile
This is a joint initiative of the National Ourbudsuran, the National UNDP office and the National System of Public Universities. The objective is to produce an annual National Sustainable Human Development Profile complementary to UNDP's Human Development Index.
National System for Sustainable Development (SINADES)
This is an initiative promoted by the government to promote the participation of the Civil Society. It is an institutional arrangement intended to systematize efforts towards achieving SD. The device creating such system was issued by the government in September 24, 1994. In addition to the Government's SDC SINADES also includes the National SDC. This council is primarily a forum for concerting SD policies between the Government and the civil society. It is coordinated officially by the President and consists of 21 directors, 7 from the Government and 14 from civil society, which include representatives from the National Academy of Sciences, the Public Universities, the Chambers Union, the cooperative sector and the NGO community.The third component of SINADES are technical commissions, intended to support both SDCs. The SDNP can be created as one of such commissions. The fourth component is an Executive Secretariat, which is the coordinating body of SINADES.
The government is working to get a non-refundable technical cooperation grant from IDB to support SINADES. Among other things, this grant will support the establishment of an information system that will provide the infrastructure to link public institutions, and umbrella organizations, in the NGOs, academic, cooperative and private sector community. This program will be coordinated with the program supported with World Bank and Capacity 21 resources. This program will provide the basis for the Costa Rican SDNP.
Estonia
Estonia is one of the three newly independent Baltic countries. Estonia is a small country, with only 1.5 million people, developing its own economy and culture and new relationships with other countries, having been for 50 years one of the Soviet Socialist Republics. Now, in the period of 'electronic age' and explosive electronic information, Estonia is developing its own Educational and Research Network (EENet). Under EENet, there is built up parts of physical connections inside Estonia, but no serious information is available yet.Estonian SDN Programme is relying on these existing physical connectivities (2M backbone in Estonia). Links abroad are 64K and 128K Internet services, managed by private institutions.
The SDN Project in Estonia was initiated on the end of 1993, and after a preparation period, was really started in March 1994. The joint Information Cooperative Type II - UNDP/SDN - Baltics Regional Node was created. The node is located in the National Library of Estonia. The idea is to collect data about existing databases and other information resources, about key persons, ministeries, etc. and serve this as catalog. Estonian catalogue node will also be the catalogue node for Latvia and Lithuania in the beginning.
The joint partners to create the node were the Estonian Interim Steering Committee (Estonian Interuniversity Population Research Centre, IUPC, serves as a legal body), Consortium for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN) and UNDP.
CIESIN is a nonprofit corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the State of Michigan (USA). CIESIN is a research, scientific, and information systems organization engaged in providing data products and services to the human dimensions of global environmental change.
UNDP supported the training for Node personnel at the CIESIN headquarters. Also UNDP supported the training of 110 participants from Estonia (83), Latvia (13), Lithuania (12) and Poland (2) in a workshop held in August, 1994 at the National Library of Estonia. The National Library of Estonia is providing the space for the node and Internet connectivity.
Between March and November a number of physical services were made available. The World Wide Web server was set up ( www.nlib.ee), including WAIS, Gopher and anonymous FTP server. For CIESIN partners in Estonia, the dial-up centre was installed with possibilities to use e-mail and WWW browser for text terminals (Lynx).
At the same time, cataloguing of existing databases into metadatabase is in progress. Metadata will be available through CIESIN Catalog Service on-line (http://www.nlib.ee/CATALOG/).
Developing Estonian Country Guide was initiated and a significant amount of information was collected. (http://www.nlib.ee/ESTCG/).
The Baltics Regional Node WWW contains information and lists of the other electronic services and infoservers in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Russia. Overviews about Estonian (and Baltics) Data Networking (`Internet in Baltic States', Frequently Asked Questions in Estonian (KKK), `Requirements on Information Technology in Estonian Cultural and Language Environment') are available. Also information from UNDP and information about Environmental Resources in electronic form is available (http://www.nlib.ee/OTHER/).
By the mid of December, 1994, some electronic database catalogues from National Library will open, also workshops for library personnel will be held.
Guatemala
About 2 years back, the first meetings were commenced in Guatemala under the supervision of Mr. Hugo Figueroa, UNDP's Environmental Programme Officer.The spirit of the SDN's emerging at that moment did not take into account all the variables which the experience and work carried out in different developing countries have been able to identify. After participating in the round tables organised in the 3rd Meeting of Coordinators at Bombay between 14th and 19th of November, it is evident that there have been significant variations with respect to the present philosophy and policies of the SDN's of the different countries participating in this programme.
In Guatemala, the consolidation of the National ``Steering Committee'' has not been accomplished, although it is clear that it must be a group of not more than 5 to 7 representatives from the a)academic sectors b) Governmental Organizations, c) NGD's d) Private Sector Companies and e) the Central Bank.
The following have been completed by now:
i. the study of technical requirements
Nevertheless, given the present conditions in Guatemala in relation to the implementation of the ``MAYANET'' Project (suggested and coordinated by the National Council of Science and Technology - CONCYT) which envisages getting the INTERNET Connection shortly (end of '94), users feel that to avoid duplicity of efforts the SDN-Guatemala should become a MAYANET node.
ii. the study about possible user institutions who could get involved in the project. In the last working session it was decided, as the next step, to elaborate a Project proposal, which should be presented soon to the UNDP/New York.
On the other hand, in Guatemala we still do not have a National Coordinator who, like the ones in Nicaragua and Honduras and in other countries of Asia and Africa which are the front runners, could work as a catalyser carrying out the relevant actions and the implementation of the local SDN.
On account of the above, the immediate actions to be taken in Guatemala, are:
i. Select/Elect and contract a National Coordinator;
ii. Elaborate the Project mentioned;
iii. Negotiate with MAYANET regarding connectivity;
iv. To carry out (as has been done in the Philippines); a study on the information requirements of potential users; and
v. Marketing and Seminars on Training.
Honduras
Strategy to be considered to initiate the SDN Project in Honduras.
The project will follow several steps to establish the system:
- Awareness Step: getting knowledge about SDNP, networks, e- mail, equipment, etc.
- Base line-data about Networking systems in Honduras:
This will allow us to know about the different communication media, public and private, (writing papers, press, existing and planned computer networking systems. At this stage, the project will also investigate everything related to communication policies with Hondutel: costs, telephone lines availability, current and future system projects, etc.
- Promotion: the project will encourage the local participation of all institutions in the SDNP system. This will include:
* presentation events in different regions of Honduras.
An important goal will be to reach 33% fom Government Institutional participation, 33% from NGO's, and 34% from media and educational institutions.
* Site-visits: SDNP will visit some of the potential institutions
to make arrangements to participate in this system.
* Formation of the Steering Committee.
- "Hands-on" System Installation: this will start with those institutions that have the required equipment to be part of SDNP: pc, telephone line and modem. The effort includes:
* equipment verification
Those institutions that do not have the above mentioned equipment will be part of a project proposal that will be sent to any of those financial source institutions in Honduras through the Steering Committee (for example, using the UNDP/SDNP budget as matching-grant, etc.)
* software installation: waffle, pmail, etc.
* training
* national connections
* international connections
- Documentation and information exchange: this will start right in the moment we have installed the system in each one of the participant institutions:
* Data-base information resources about the institution: each one will fill-up an institutional form that has to be circulated among participant institutions. (This form will be formulated by the Steering Committee):
-- type of organization
* Specific project Documentation
-- target groups
-- program areas
-- number of projects
-- geographic area
-- financial sources
* Financial Sources data-base
* Institutional strengthening through training sessions on elec- tronic communication, promotion of environmental analysis sessions among the participant institutions, reinforcing the technical institutional capacity to meet their needs on information resources, etc.
Current Status
* In Honduras we are working in the 2nd, 3rd + 4th steps
* We have already formed the Steering Committee with representatives from 18 institutions (from GOV, NGO's, Educational institutions and Private institutions)
* SDNP/Honduras Personnel:
i. Francisco Salinas - Coordinator ii. Erlin Palma - Technician Specialist
* SDNP/HON has already presented the Project document to UNDP/Honduras.
Objectives of SDNP/Honduras
- General Objective:
- To reinforce the local institutional capacity, public and private, to manage sustainable development aspects through the promotion, dissemination and information exchange on these topics.
- Specific Goals:
- i. To establish the SDNP in Honduras 20 institutions will be connected during October to December 1994. We expect to reach around 100 institutions or persons connected during the first year.
- ii. To reinforce local institutional capabilities to manage aspects on sustainable development:
To have baseline information about the institutions working on development in Honduras.
To reinforce Governmental initiatives on environmental and sustainable development policies.
To have national and international connections
- iii. To establish/execute strategic plan for SDNP in Honduras in the short, medium and long-term:
To elaborate and execute a strategic plan concerned with the sustainability of SDNP.
India
India is in the final stages of joining SDNP. A draft feasibility report, prepared in this regard has been submitted to the `Task Force' of SDNP-India for finalisation. One page is appended that summarises five options for an SDNP in India that are now being considered by the Task Force.The Environmental Information System (ENVIS), currently in operation in the Ministry of Environment and Forests, will be offered as a host for the SDNP in India.
At present ENVIS is a system of distributed databases. The concept links its Centres, known as ENVIS Centres, on priority subject areas on Environment and its associated fields. ENVIS also deals with the `Centres of Excellence' related to environment. There are 20 ENVIS Centres concerned with a variety of subject areas related to environment. Nearly 6000 queries are received by the ENVIS network per year, which responds to these with substantive information as far as possible. ENVIS also acts as the National Focal Point (NFP) as well as Regional Service Centre (RSC) for South Asia Sub-region of the INFOTERRA network of UNEP. The queries responded by the ENVIS network are the largest number among INFOTERRA Focal Points Worldwide. Presently ENVIS is being networked with all of its partners through ERNET Programme so that it could access various national and international databases for catering to the information needs of its varied users groups. Funding for ENVIS is equivalent to $ 50,000 per annum.
Networking of institutions is also supported by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) which is linked with more then 550 nodes throughout the Country. NIC basically deals with management information related to Government Organisations through its NICNET Programme. ENVIS has a close liaison with NIC. ENVIS also maintains regular linkages with various other information systems in the country in order to avoid the duplication of efforts.
There are about more than 14,000 NGOS in India, out of which about 1500 are dealing with environmental related areas. ENVIS also caters to the information needs of such NGOS in the country
Table 1: India, SDNP: Summary of options -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charecteristics - 1 -2 -3 -4 -5 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title - Clearinghouse -Association of -High Speed -User Network -Network -Service - Program -Networks -Provider -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Role of - Middleman -Facilitator -Transporter -Daughter -Mother SDN Office - (``Bridge'') - - -Network -Network -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Primary - Info providers - networks - Info providers - 1 network -Info Participants -providers - Info carriers -(electronic - Info users - Info users -Info -users - Info users -& manual) - networks - - -(electronic) - - - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Housing - anywhere -anywhere -government -government -NGO, possibilities independent -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hardware - PCs, modems -PCs, modems -routers, -routers, -router, involved -modems, -modems, hi- -modems, -PCs, -hi-speed - - -speed lines -PCs -links -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hardware - 3.33 -0.18 -54.80 -8.92 -13.16 Cost (front end) (Rs. in millions) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Staff - Number - 13 -4 -18 -18 -22 - Cost - 1.22 -0.45 -1.56 -1.42 -1.66per annum (Rs. in millions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Total Cost - 11.68 -3.03 -230.60 -29.77 -72.21 for 5 years (Rs in millions) (US$ - 0.40 -0.01 -7.00 -1.00 -2.40 in millions) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Indonesia
Establishment of SDNP team
SDNP, Indonesia has been established. The Steering Committee members represent: Government Sector, NGOs Sector, Business Sector, UNDP and International agenciesThe National Co-ordinator, Network Specialist, the Secretary/Research Assistant and the 4 Nodes Co-ordinator (Government, University, NGOs Business) constitute an Organising Committee.
Set up office location at: Ministry of State for Environment Office at Jakarta
Installed SDNP Computer Server at the office and act as information provider promoting SDNP as well as Agenda 21.
Pilot Activities
We have done pilot activities using existing Computer Network Communities/Sectors.The communities agree to initiate with public information and have been made progress in exchanging information on news, opinion, regulation, seminar activities, etc..
Identification of target group
We found that international agencies/organisations, news agencies and individuals are potential groups. In Indonesia, there are 6000 network users belonging to 6 Network providers. 30% of the Network user used Radio package net- work and most of the users are student/academic users.
Problems
Connectivity:In Indonesia, connectivity between one network provider to another still needs to be strengthened in order to reach wider user in the country. For example, various technologies have been used by the user such as radio, satellite, dial up, X.25 etc.
Human Resources:
Instead of building user network, SDNP need to get expertise in Network Technology as well as an information specialist who could develop information on sustainable development issues.
Lebanon The financial pressure and lack of SD policies and enforcement of law during the long period of civil unrest are reflected in all sectors in Lebanon including agriculture, land use, construction, natural resources, rivers, underground water, solid waste, forests, wild life, industries, etc. In conclusion, Lebanon is on the verge of an environmental crisis, and swift action is required vis a vis existing practices. Policy makers, industries, resource managers and individuals all need to make informed decisions concerning SDN. The SDN Lebanon completed the feasibility study and is about to submit its final project document. SDN Lebanon envisages the initiation of a number of pooled CD-ROM database sites accessible to the public and a central mail relay, gopher and CD-ROM database servers site accessible via modems or direct network accesses. Pooled sites will initiate communication of SD information among SDN users as well as exposing users to international CD-ROM database libraries. A mail relay host (using UUCP) will provide e-mail services at the initial phase of the project. Facilities such as mailing-list, news and gopher will allow sharing of information between pooled sites. Among other possible sites, the SDN considers the American University of Beirut (AUB) as a suitable potential host for the SDN relay host as AUB has the basic technical infrastructure required, administers an internet node, as well as a wide number of SD related research projects.
Mexico
Feasibility Study
Four local consultants were requested to participate and prepare a feasibility study to assess the possibilities of establishing a Sustainable Development Network, whose main objective is to link information sources and users of all sectors of society through the combination of various means of communication, and to make adequate, suitable, objective, relevant, sufficient and qualified information accessible to anyone interested to actively use it.The final document resulted from the research and interviews with more than 60 Mexican organizations of different sectors: NGO's, academic institutions, government offices, communications networks, private entrepreneurs, gremial or guild institutions, and international organizations.
The purpose of these interviews was:
(a) to know their reaction towards the project,
In the process of building local capacities to engage in the commitments inherent to the operation of a SDNP, Mexico is ahead of many other countries in the use of technology, information networks communication infrastructure, software and hardware, but most importantly the will and recognition of the need. Therefore, a network of this nature will strengthen the process of sustainable development at the local, regional and national level.
(b) their interest to participate as information providers or even as a potential hosts or headquarters to the network
(c) to formulate a diagnosis of the present capacities concerning the management of information related to sustainable development, and
(d) to formulate a proposal and recommendations with regard to the modus operandi of the SDNP in Mexico. In brief, the suggestions refer to the fact that in order to be successful, the SDNP in Mexico should offer (gradually building up its research and scope): electronic mail, conferences, access to data bases and diverse information systems, remote training, technical meetings and special publications.
A number of organizations might eventually agree on partially sponsoring the initial stages of establishment. However, due to the changing political situation in Mexico, it has not yet been feasible to secure commitments.
Another recommendation was to form a promoting group (Steering Committee) which would act as an active motor of the establishment of the SDNP, and furthermore design the working plan and the short, mid and long term objectives of the network.
In the context of a Capacity 21 project, two of the consultants were asked to incorporate a working plan and budget assessment for the SDNP in order to get some resources for the network. Although this working plan was prepared not following the feasibility study recommendation, it will serve as a background for the Steering Committee to design the final working plan and budget assessment.
Implementation of the SDNP in Mexico
In the second stage after the feasibility study, it has been requested to form the Steering Committee and plan with them both working and budget plans, as well as a directory of all the institutions of the national level that should be incorporated in the SDNP.A few days before this Workshop, the Steering Committee was formally set up and some decisions were taken:
(a) Governmental representatives will leave open mechanisms for the SDNP once the new officials are appointed to guarantee continuity of the project before the Government.
(b) Every representative (16) will designate a substitute in case the representative cannot be present, who is authorized to take decisions
(c) Calendar of Meetings
(d) The first session or meeting of the Committee will be on November 30, 1994 and the working plan will be discussed.
Morocco
In Morocco, Sustainable Development is very much a Governmental concern. Therefore, the Department of Environmental Protection is formulating its national strategy for the protection of the Environment and Sustainable Development. A national Committee for Sustainable Development has been set up within the National Council for the Environment, which brings together all the key actors in this field. The Department for Environmental Protection has a National Observatory for the Environment in which is located an Information and Data System on the Environment which is responsible for coordinating the activities of a network for the stakeholders of Information and data on Environment.The feasibility study for the SDNP as well as the consultations that were undertaken came to the conclusion that the appropriate department to take charge of this project was the SSE/PE.
Taking into consideration the present situation of Morocco, regarding the management of information and data on sustainable development, the SDNP project set itself the following objectives:
* to facilitate access to information concerning sustainable development.
To achieve these objectives, it is necessary to be convinced about the benefits of sharing information, to implement a communication programme explaining the advantages of sharing information and the improvement of the technical means as well as the required skills to establish these exchange networks.
* to facilitate communication between the various institutions, entities and organisations involved in the fields of sustainable development.
* to consolidate the existing capacities, especially at the level of the various partners, from the public and private sectors as well as associations, so that they can play a more important role in sustainable development.
The strategy which will be followed to set up the SDNP will intervene on two parallel fronts:
i. training and sensitising about sustainable development and electronic data and information networks,
The project will be located at the SSE/PE level and will be implemented in the following institutional ways:
ii. the staggered setting up of an electronic network linking a first group of existing electronic data bases and users.
-- a Steering Committee to monitor the activities of the project.
-- broad based meetings to inform the potential partners of SDNP about the progress made.
-- a Consultative Committee constituted by the SSE/PE, the UNDP, the Cooperation Department and cooperation agencies, supporting the project.
-- a Coordinator to ensure the executive management of the project with the help of a communication expert, an electronic network expert and a secretary.
Nicaragua
Basic Principles
A pre-feasibility study was never carried out in Nicaragua, nevertheless the SDNP of New York sent missions and the UNDP provided a consultant in order to explore the potentials the country offered, as well as the level of government acceptance in the institution of the SDN project. To this respect the scenario was very adequate for two basic reasons:
-- The Government does not have mechanisms to facilitate the process of reaching a sustained development and to implement the accords of Agenda 21, while the SDNP could accomplish these expectations.
-- Due to the polarized political atmosphere, institutions of collaboration or harmonization between the civil society and the state were nonexistent. The Government of Nicaragua, because of its nature, felt helpless to implement a strategy of sustained development without the support of the civil society, which in the end has to carry out and will benefit from the process.
Disadvantages
-- Amongst government authorities there is no consensus over a development policy. Environmental action plans, as well as the national conservation strategy and the outline of the main policies for a sustained development, are approved by a presidential mandate. Nevertheless, cabinet members, mainly under the leadership of the economic sector of the government, seem unaware of this presidential will, which is a drawback to the process. This contradictory position was the most difficult to be tackled by the SDNP, even more so, than sitting down at the same table with the civil sectors to negotiate an agenda on the subject of sustained development.
-- With the change of government, part of the economic policies are set forth by turning public services into public service corporations. An example of this process as well as one of the main contracting parties is the Tele Communications Company. With this new vision, the profile of the SDNP seemed to clash with the commercial interests of the PTT, and was thus seen, in economic terms, as a potential competitor.
Representation within the Preparatory Committee
A key element in preparing working conditions for the SDNP, was the fact that the most representative sectors were summoned by the UNDP for a 'brainstorm' meeting, in which ideas were given on how the SDNP should establish itself in Nicaragua.At the beginning of 1993, steps are taken in order to shape the SDNP as an organism of national consensus. In its first stage a series of 11 meetings were held, in order to coordinate and organize the work. Almost 20 organisms and institutions attended these meetings, in which conceptual, technological and methodological aspects were jointly discussed, leading these discussions to constitute our actual working profile.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment was the main strategic 'ally' in starting conversations with the Government. With this government link, other sectors, such as the Ministry of Economy and Development, the Ministry of the Presidency and other government Institutions begin to get involved. The universities played a dynamic role in the definition of the technological aspects. Whilst the NGOs, as representatives of the social sectors, contributed more towards the promotion and definition of the harmonization mechanisms. The private enterprise integrated itself with less representation and interest, but followed with attention all the stages of the preparations.
The UNDP was the guiding line of this process. The civil society and the government gave them this responsibility, until the SDNP could become an autonomous organization; being understood that once this was accomplished, the UNDP would give technical assistance, as a cooperation organism.
Duties of the Preparatory Committee
As part of the strategy for the definition of the framework of the Nicaraguan SDNP, two commissions were set up. One commission would undertake the technological and interconnecting aspects and the other would be responsible for the management.The technological commission took charge of working on the draft document of the project, based on the information given by its members. This document described the technological scenario of information and management of the SDNP, its principles and characteristics, amongst which stand out the following:
Characteristics
-- It's founded on the basic principles of sustained development.
-- It's an independent, dynamic, agile and flexible organiza- tion, that consults permanently with its members.
-- It's performance is determined by strategic planning, in accordance with the environmental needs and priorities.
-- It is based on the principles of social equity and equal participation in this organization, without any discrimination because of race or political or religious beliefs.
Specific Functions of the Network
-- Create and strengthen, at national level, discussion forums on sustained development, in order to contribute to an effective and efficient Environmental Plan for Nicaragua.
-- Supply the different social sectors, academic institutions, government and private organizations, and NGOs with adequate instruments in order to integrate them in the process of analysis and discussion by means of providing communication services, as a tool that facilitates information exchange.
-- Disclose current and opportune information, with a high content around the subject of sustained development, giving the society an opportunity to acknowledge the different alternatives and contribute, in this way, towards the environmental education and social participation.
Technological Aspects
There are in Nicaragua, two systems that provide electronic communication services to specific groups. One of these is the Node of the National University of Engineering (UNI) and the other is the Node Nicarao, developed by the Regional Coordinator of Economic and Social Investigations (CRIES).The UNI node mainly supplies E-mail services to researchers, professors and students of the University. The users have access to the Node through the public telephone service, the Local Area Network on the premises of the campus or packet radio transmission. With the support of the Organization of American States (OAS), this node is currently connected to Internet .
The Nicarao node begins operations in 1988, and becomes a member of the Association for Progressive Communications (APC). Being the first node in Central America, it has achieved a major experience in the field of electronic communication, providing its users with E-mail, electronic conferences, on line help, electronic fax and users directories.
Through specific agreements with each of the afore mentioned institutions the Nicaraguan SDNP will support itself on the services rendered by NICARAO and the RAIN project of the UNI. In this way, the SDNP will be able to cope with the project and the users expectations on the flow of national and international information.
Work out, Adjustment and Negotiation of Project Document
The project document was consulted and negotiated with the UNDP and was proposed to the extended Committee for its approval, as a framework for working out the final version of the document.The first document lacked a clear strategy of the role to be played by the SDNP in the integration of the different sectors of society involved in a sustained development, as well as in influencing a definition of a strategy and the national plans to be applied towards those means.
Both, the emphasis in the technological aspects as well as the weakness in the process of information and management were strongly criticized in that document.
Selection of candidate as Coordinatory
Following this process, the preparatory committee worked out a strategy for the selection of a candidate for the Executive Coordination. Even though the UNDP led this selection, the application forms, interviews, etc. were designed by the NGOs, academic institutions and private enterprise.The following steps were taken for the selection of a candidate:
i. Advertisement in the mass media.
The selection of the technical expert was done by the coordinator, under the approval of the local UNDP and New York office, based on an open competition of candidates.ii. Definition of the technical requirements for the selection criteria and its respective evaluation. The following aspects were specially considered:
-- Data processing knowledge.
iii. Reception of the curriculum vitae and a thorough revision of each one.
-- Academic background.
-- Link with development institutions.
-- Leadership qualities.
-- Management knowledge.
iv. Interview with the final candidates.
v. Selection of the candidate in accordance with the final evaluation.
vi. Signing-on terms by the UNDP.
Structure of the Board of Directors
The National Board of Directors of the SDNP is constituted by the following representatives:
Chairman of the Board: Nicaraguan Environmental Movement (MAN)
Government of Nicaragua: Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MARENA)
NGOs: Federation of Non Governmental Organizations (FNGOs)
Private Sector: Barricada Newspaper Academic Sector: Universidad Nacional Agraria (UNA), Universidad Nacional de Ingenier!a (UNI)
Donor: UNDP
Palestine Networking activities in Palestine are fairly new. Although three levels can be identified, much further development is highly sought. These three levels are:
i. through UNDP in East Jerusalem, providing Internet connectivity;
The Palestinian Academic Network (PLANET) has been founded by Palestinian Academics who are interested mainly in providing for a national academic research network, and consequently serving professionals like Physicians, Engineers, Pharmacists etc. Presently, a national feasibility study is being conducted by PLANET members, to identify congruencies and adaptation to the SDN Program.
ii. a small NGO node, called Baraka, running Waffle Shareware; and
iii. commercial networking companies.
Initial studies identified the following strategies:
i. PLANET should be an independent SDNP national node;
The problems we expect to encounter could be of the following types:
ii. Cooperation is highly recommended with other Arab and International Networks;
iii. Provide connectivity to academic institutions and, if asked to, Governmental agencies;
iv. Reinforce existing NGO efforts in E-mail service;
v. Provide for, and facilitate information sharing.
i. Lack of co-ordination (national and international);
ii. Standards that are clear and well-defined;
iii. Integrating information along the network into different sectors (health, education, environment etc.);
iv. Socio-political implications; and
v. Financial and economic hurdles.
Philippines In the past 18 months, the Sustainable Development Networking Programme in the Philippines had engaged in organizational, promotional and capacity building activities. The SDNP in the country likewise started electronic networking at the national level in an effort to establish a national electronic backbone in preparation for full Internet connectivity. Full Internet connectivity of the country was only realized in April, 1994 and SDNP Philippines was connected as a node in November, 1994. Below are the detailed activities of the programme:
Organizational
The SDNP Philippines has been set up as a Foundation composed of organizations actively involved in the pursuit of sustainable development. This foundation which is incorporated under the name Philippine Sustainable Development Network Foundation, Inc. or PSDN, is a non-stock, non-profit corporation. Presently, it has 26 official members.
Capacity Building
The PSDN has completed a potential user assessment survey and is currently preparing its Business Plan. The survey indicated the user's needs and capacity for accessing data. These will be important inputs in designing the services of the PSDN.To help build the capacity of member organizations and users, the PSDN has conducted four training sessions on how to access the PSON-BBS and other principles of computer-mediated communication (CMC). At first, the training was for free, but in later sessions, the cost of the modem was incorporated into the training fee. In this manner, cost of modem and training materials is recovered.
Two of the sessions were conducted as part of the PSDN's support to the Philippines Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD). The PSDN has been recognized as the official information arm of the PCSD. Under the ``easy modem acquisition plan'' of the PSDN, some members of the Council have acquired CMC training and modems. This activity is a continuing effort and other groups will be included in the plan.
The PSDN has purchased most of the hardware and software in the starter kit.
The PSDN staff has also acquired training to enhance its capability of running the network. The Information Network Specialist has trained on Network Administration for Internet while the coordinator had a shorter training on Executive's Overview of the Internet.
Promotions and Awareness - Building
In an effort to promote the SDNP, the PSDN has also been involved in some activities that is supportive of the process of formulating the Philippines Agenda 21 such as co-sponsorship of workshops/seminars:
i. with the PCSD Committee on Social and Economic Dimension where its work program was formulated. This was aimed at facilitating the process of Agenda 21 formulation of the Country.
Published ``Currents'', a quarterly newsletter on sustainable development events.ii. held on-line Round Table Discussion on Biodiversity Conservation which was run at the PSDN-BBS for two months. This forum was aimed at generating interest, reactions, comments on the subject which can be important inputs in translating strategies into action plans. This forum was also designed to encourage people to use CMC. There were four technical papers for this forum with the following titles:
(a) The Philippines Strategy for Biodiversity Conservation;
(b) The National Integrated Protected Areas System Law;
(c) Wildlife Trade in the Philippines; and
(d) Towards a Biodiversity Conservation Information System (BCIS) (Draft Report)
Electronic Networking
The PSDN operates a 24 hour PSDN-BBS, an electronic Bulletin Board which links all members and other concerned individuals and organizations on an electronic medium. This BBS is already a Fido Net Hub called Earth Hub and has about 300 established members or callers nation wide. Transactions handled are largely on a national/local level.In preparation for full Internet Connectivity, the PSDN is helping establish the national electronic backbone in the country. It has made arrangements with the Department of Science and Technology in Cebu City (Central Philippines) to use its existing BBS as the PSDN node in that part of the country. The PSDN is currently exploring similar arrangements with other existing infrastructure in other pats of the country specifically Cagayan de Oro City.
A study on the options for connecting to the Internet had been completed. It took a while for the PSDN to acquire Internet connectivity because in the early stages of PSDN operations, this facility was not available in Phillipines. At that time, an initiative called the PHNet, intended to be a consortium of research/academic institutions to set up the country's gateway to the Internet was in the advanced planning stage. The decision then was to wait for this initiative to succeed. Philippines acquired its full connectivity to Internet in April, 1994. The PSDN commissioned a consultant to study Philippines rules and regulations relevant to its plan of operating a node and to recommend the best option for getting a connection considering its requirements and resources.
As a result of that study, the PSDN has applied for Associate Membership to the PHNet. It is designed to serve 250 E- mail subscribers and to offer 50 MB through-put. This will be a dial-up connection to a primary PHNet mode. The PSDN plans to maintain this link until sufficient callers are established and then move on to a leased line in the future.
The PSDN acquired its Internet connectivity in November, 1994.
Co-financing Scheme
The Philippine Sustainable Development Network Foundation (PSDN) recently completed a joint project with the Foundation for the Philippine Environment (FPE) in the development of an information network on biodiversity conservation. The design builds on the concept of linking all stakeholders, especially those at the grassroots, via a combination of information and communication strategies which include computer mediated communication, broadcast, print and other popular/local media. For the design phase, the PSDN received assistance from the FPE to the extent of P 658,000 or $ 26,000. The PSDN is currently gearing up for the prototype phase of the Biodiversity Conservation Information System (BCIS) which would test the feasibility of the design. The project complements the PSDN effort to establish the national electronic backbone and in fact even enhances it by linking other organizations using low-end to high-end information and communication strategies. For the prototyping of the design, the PSDN has requested FPE for an assistance amounting to P 1.5M or $ 60,000.
Future Activities
* Making Internet available to PSDN members and other users
The PSDN is now stable in terms of its operations as an organization. The preparation of its Business Plan will give it an idea on how to proceed in the future so that its mandate is discharged and sustainability is ensured. With the recent acquisition of full Internet connectivity, however, operations are expected to expand very rapidly. The SDNP in the Philippines needs technical, financial support and guidance from UNDP New York in order that this phase will proceed smoothly.
* Expansion of the electronic backbone in the country * Implementing the Biodiversity Conservation Information System (BCIS) Phase II/Prototyping
* Conduct of Training Courses
* Conduct on on-line Round Table Discussions
* Establishment of formal linkages with data sources (especially organizations with established databases) in order that information could be made accessable to a wide group of users through electronic means.
* Bringing in into the network other groups, i.e. Other PCSD Sub Committees Asia-Pacific 2000, ASEAN, Human Development Network, etc.)
There has been some difficulties in communication in the past which we hope will be improved now that PSDN can communicate with SDNP-New York through E-mail.
The PSDN commends the consultancy report of Ms. Kate Wild for underscoring the importance of human connectivity in the project. We share her view on the potential of SDNP in playing an important role in the achievement of the goals of sustainable development and support her recommendation of extending support to the programme. The SDNP is in fact perceived by some sections in the Philippines society as a strategy for people empowerment. The PSDN will do its best to perform its functions and will proactively look for other sources of funding. We, however, would like to emphasize the importance of UNDP support in ``leveraging'' funds/resources from other sources.
Tunisia
The Tunisian SDNP is at the signing stage.The project document provides for the setting up of one node at the UNDP country office. After 12 months, the node will be transferred to a national institution to be chosen by the Steering Committee.
The SDNP Tunisia will complement a national research network, the RNRT, which was set up by IRSIT (The Regional Institute for Informatics and Telecommunications). IRSIT will also be responsible for the setting up and maintenance of the first SDNP node.
The SDN team will consist of the Coordinator (Head of IRSIT), a Deputy Coordinator (substantive person for the Agenda 21 process) and a research assistant/secretary.
Substantively, the SDN Tunisia will contain data on the following themes for which the competent national institutions handle already, or will handle shortly, comprehensive data in digitized form :
i. Status of women
ii. Health
iii. Education
iv. Vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
v. Census and other statistics compiled by the National Statistics Office
vi. Environment (e.g. sanitation data).
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